Ticker

A spoiler light review of Ticker should begin with tone, because Albert Pyun understands exactly how this comedy ought to feel. Ticker gains early credibility from Tom Sizemore, whose presence is balanced by the different rhythm of Dennis Hopper. The foundation of Ticker can be stated simply: After a San Francisco detective's partner is murdered by Northern Irish terrorists, the officer joins the bomb squad in order to bring them to justice. Within its 1h 32m running time, Ticker reveals both the benefits and the limits of that disciplined approach.

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The plot of Ticker is built around the uneasy relationship between San Francisco and Northern Irish. For Tom Sizemore, that relationship gives Ticker an emotional objective stronger than simple forward motion. The screenplay associated with Paul B. Margolis lets the central character reshape the direction of Ticker in stages. Although the treatment of an important relationship could be sharper, Ticker never entirely loses the thread established at the beginning.

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What keeps Ticker emotionally readable is Tom Sizemore, whose choices establish a consistent point of view. In scenes with Dennis Hopper, Ticker gains tension from two performers refusing to produce the same kind of energy. Steven Seagal contributes a separate rhythm to Ticker and helps the supporting material feel less purely functional. The direction by Albert Pyun gives the cast of Ticker room to connect the quieter beats with the larger ones.

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The craft of Ticker is defined by comic timing built around character, supported by comic timing built around character rather than overwhelmed by decoration. Artisan Entertainment gives Ticker a production framework in which well judged reactions can remain connected to story. Made from a United States production context, Ticker uses setting and design to clarify mood before dialogue has to explain it. The technical finish of Ticker works because image, sound and editing appear to be serving the same immediate purpose.

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Albert Pyun gives Ticker a directorial line that is unable to turn workable ingredients into a stable rhythm from its opening promise to its final movement. The staging of Ticker is strongest when Albert Pyun allows motivation to determine pace instead of reversing that priority. Viewed as a complete piece, Ticker confirms that the premise retains appeal even when the finished film struggles across most of the running time. A tighter version of Ticker would address how explanation repeatedly takes the place of discovery, yet the surrounding work remains persuasive.

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Ticker finds additional purpose in its examination of embarrassment, status and the gap between confidence and reality. Through the performance of Tom Sizemore, Ticker makes that examination feel personal before it becomes broadly symbolic. The idea of San Francisco repeatedly returns Ticker to the cost behind its more visible developments. Albert Pyun is most persuasive when Ticker allows the theme to emerge from an uncomfortable choice rather than polished dialogue.

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For comedy fans who respond to personality and timing, Ticker is ultimately a missed opportunity rather than a complete failure. Its most persuasive combination in Ticker brings Tom Sizemore together with well judged reactions under the direction of Albert Pyun. The fact that explanation repeatedly takes the place of discovery prevents Ticker from being entirely seamless. Even with that reservation, Ticker has a clear point of view and enough genuine feeling to justify the journey.